“Helping Makes U Happy” is what 42-year-old Keith Caputo calls his charity — and his success at bringing help and kindness to people makes him happy.
The History of Helping Makes U Happy
When the late Anthony Parlato of Center Moriches approached Caputo after a church service and asked him if he liked basketball, it was the beginning of something profound.
According to Cassy Caputo, Keith’s mom, Parlato — who served as co-executive director of the Moriches Community Center — taught Keith the importance of kindness and helping people.
When Parlato died suddenly in 2013, Cassy noticed something was missing in her son, who was born with Down syndrome. She eventually realized it was Keith’s desire to help others — and it was going unfulfilled.
“We talked about maybe planting a garden in memory of his mentor,” Cassy told the Press. “But he, Keith, said, ‘I don’t want to do that.’”
From there, Keith founded a nonprofit in 2015.
“I like helping people, it makes me happy,” Keith Caputo said, explaining the nonprofit’s name.
Helping Makes U Happy collects items for those in need, including food, school supplies, holiday toys, and more.
“It grew fast,” Cassy said. “By the time we moved it out of my house and into a building we were able to rent, we already had 90 volunteers.”
Keith was given a column in the local newspaper — The Tide of Moriches & Manorville — called Keith’s corner, where he expresses to the community what the charity is in need of.
“We also write about other positive causes,” Cassy added. “We only promote positivity — there’s enough negativity in the world these days.”
What Helping Makes U Happy Is Currently Up To
Most recently, they were able to join the EAC Network.
“Our local fire department — Keith is an honorary member — was doing a fundraiser for Tommy Valva’s mothers and sisters,” Cassy said, referring to the tragic death of the Center Moriches 8-year-old. “Keith joined them, but he wanted to do more because child abuse hurts his heart. We put together a carnival with the Child Advocacy Center on July 15. We had over 300 people attend. We had food trucks, we had volunteers dressed as superheroes, it was great. When all was said and done, we were able to donate $6,000 to the EAC Network.”
Keith is looking forward to his next big event — Keith’s Mega Auction — which will be held on Oct. 21 at Center Moriches High School.
